Becoming a New Muslim is a profound and beautiful journey, a re-connection with one’s innate nature (Fitrah). While it’s a deeply personal experience, there are several important things to keep in mind to navigate this new path effectively and build a strong foundation.

Here are key considerations for a new Muslim:

1. Focus on the Essentials (The Five Pillars of Islam):

   • Shahada (Declaration of Faith): You’ve already taken this step! Continually reflect on its meaning: the absolute Oneness of Allah (SWT) and the prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH). This is the core of your belief (Aqeedah).
   • Salah (Prayer): This is the most immediate and consistent act of worship. Learn how to perform the five daily prayers. It might feel overwhelming at first, but focus on the basics: how to perform Wudu (ablution), the movements (Rak’ahs), and the essential recitations (like Surah Al-Fatiha and short Surahs). Don’t worry about perfection immediately; consistency is key. Allah appreciates your effort.
   • Zakat (Charity): Understand its importance and when it becomes obligatory on your wealth. For now, focus on establishing prayer.
   • Sawm (Fasting): Prepare for Ramadan (the month of fasting). Understand its purpose and rules.
   • Hajj (Pilgrimage): This is for those who are physically and financially able, much later in your journey.

2. Seek Knowledge Gradually and Systematically:

   • Don’t Rush or Get Overwhelmed: Islam is vast. You don’t need to learn everything at once. Prioritize. Your first priority after Shahada is learning how to pray.
   • Find a Teacher/Mentor: This is crucial. A reliable teacher (Imam, Sheikh, or knowledgeable Muslim sibling) can guide you, answer your questions, correct your understandings, and help you avoid misinformation. Relying solely on online videos or general articles can be misleading.
   • Start with the Basics: Learn about basic Fiqh (jurisprudence) rules related to daily life, Halal (permissible) and Haram (forbidden) matters, and the Seerah (Prophet Muhammad’s biography) to understand his character and life.
   • Read the Quran with Translation: Start reading the Quran with a good, clear translation. This will allow you to understand the words of Allah directly. Later, you can delve into Tafsir (exegesis).

3. Understand Challenges and Be Patient:

   • Tests from Allah: Realize that embracing Islam is a profound commitment, and you may face tests from Allah to strengthen your faith. This is normal and a sign of Allah’s love.
   • Changes in Relationships: Your relationships with family and friends might change. Be patient and gentle in communicating your new path. Avoid debates or acting as if you know everything. Show them the beauty of Islam through your character (Akhlaq).
   • Internal Struggles: You might miss prayers, make mistakes, or feel a dip in motivation. This is human. Don’t be discouraged. Islam emphasizes sincerity and effort, not perfection. Keep turning to Allah for help (Dua).
   • Don’t Over-Arabize or Change Identity Unnecessarily: Islam is universal. You don’t need to change your name (unless it has a bad meaning) or adopt a specific cultural dress or practices to be a “good” Muslim. Your cultural background can be integrated as long as it doesn’t contradict Islamic principles.

4. Integrate into the Muslim Community (Ummah):

   • Visit a Mosque: Even if you don’t know all the prayers, going to the mosque can help you feel part of the community, learn by observation, and find support.
   • Connect with Other Muslims: Especially seek out other reverts/converts, as they will understand your unique journey and challenges. Find supportive and positive influences.
   • Learn Islamic Etiquette (Adab): How Muslims greet each other, interact, and show respect.

5. Focus on Spirituality and Inner Growth:

   • Constantly Make Dua: Always pray to Allah for guidance, strength, patience, and ease in your journey.
   • Practice Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah): Simple phrases like “SubhanAllah,” “Alhamdulillah,” “Allahu Akbar,” and “La ilaha illa Allah” can be recited throughout the day to keep your heart connected to Allah.
   • Focus on Ihsan (Excellence and Sincerity): Strive to do things well and for the sake of Allah, not just outwardly.
   • Good Character (Akhlaq): Islam emphasizes excellent character. Be kind, honest, trustworthy, patient, and compassionate. Your behavior is the best Dawah (invitation to Islam).

Daily prayer, known as Salah (صلاة), is one of the five pillars of Islam and a direct connection between a Muslim and Allah (SWT). It’s performed five times a day at specific times. For a new Muslim, it might seem daunting at first, but with patience and practice, it becomes a beautiful and integral part of life.

Here’s a guide to daily prayer, focusing on the essentials:

I. Preparation for Prayer (Taharah – الطهارة):

Before you begin your prayer, you must be in a state of ritual purity.

1. Wudu (Ablution – الوضوء): This is a ritual washing of specific body parts with clean water.

   • Intention (Niyyah): Make the intention in your heart to perform Wudu for the sake of Allah.
   • Say “Bismillah”: (In the Name of Allah) before starting.
   • Wash hands: Three times, up to the wrists, making sure water reaches between fingers.
   • Rinse mouth: Three times.
   • Rinse nose: Three times, by sniffing water in and blowing it out.
   • Wash face: Three times, from forehead to chin, and ear to ear.
   • Wash arms: Three times, from fingertips up to and including the elbows (start with the right arm, then the left).
   • Wipe head (Masah): Once, by wiping wet hands over the top of the head from front to back, then back to front.
   • Wipe ears: Once, using the same water from the head wipe, wiping inside the ears with index fingers and behind the ears with thumbs.
   • Wash feet: Three times, from toes up to and including the ankles (start with the right foot, then the left), ensuring water goes between the toes.
   • After Wudu Dua: After completing Wudu, it is recommended to say: “Ash-hadu an la ilaha illal lahu wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluh. Allahumma aj’alni min at-tawwabeen, wa aj’alni min al-mutatahhirin, waj’alni min ‘ibadik-as-salihin.” (I bear witness that there is no deity except Allah, He is One, without any partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. O Allah, make me among those who constantly repent, make me among those who purify themselves, and make me among Your righteous servants.)¹

2. Cleanliness of Body, Clothes, and Place: Ensure your body, clothing, and the spot where you will pray are clean from impurities.

3. Modest Clothing: Men should cover from the navel to the knees. Women should wear loose-fitting clothes that cover their entire body, except for the face and hands.

4. Facing the Qibla (Direction of Prayer): You must face the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

   • For Nozha 2, Cairo, Egypt, the Qibla direction is approximately 138.2° SE (Southeast). You can use a compass or a Qibla finder app to determine the exact direction.

5. Prayer Times: There are five obligatory prayers at specific times of the day. You can use prayer time apps or websites for your location (e.g., for Cairo, Egypt).

   • Fajr (الفجر): Dawn prayer (2 Rak’ahs)
   • Dhuhr (الظهر): Midday prayer (4 Rak’ahs)
   • Asr (العصر): Afternoon prayer (4 Rak’ahs)
   • Maghrib (المغرب): Sunset prayer (3 Rak’ahs)
   • Isha (العشاء): Night prayer (4 Rak’ahs)

   Prayer times for Nozha 2, Cairo, Egypt (as of June 12, 2025):

   • Fajr: 3:08 AM
   • Sunrise: 4:53 AM
   • Dhuhr: 11:55 AM
   • Asr: 3:30 PM
   • Maghrib: 6:56 PM
   • Isha: 8:29 PM (Note: These times are approximate and can vary slightly day by day. It’s best to use a reliable prayer time app for real-time accuracy.)

II. Structure of Prayer (Salah – صلاة):

Each prayer consists of units called Rak’ahs (ركعات). The number of Rak’ahs varies for each prayer (Fajr: 2, Dhuhr: 4, Asr: 4, Maghrib: 3, Isha: 4). Each Rak’ah has a specific sequence of actions and recitations.

Here’s a simplified breakdown of one Rak’ah (unit of prayer):

1. Niyyah (Intention – النية): In your heart, make the intention for the specific prayer you are about to perform (e.g., “I intend to pray 2 Rak’ahs of Fajr prayer for the sake of Allah”). You don’t need to say it out loud.

2. Takbirat al-Ihram (تكبيرة الإحرام):

   • Raise your hands to your ears (for men) or shoulders (for women), palms facing the Qibla.
   • Say “Allahu Akbar” (الله أكبر – Allah is the Greatest). This signifies the start of the prayer and that you are leaving worldly matters behind.

3. Qiyam (Standing – القيام):

   • Place your right hand over your left hand on your chest or below your navel.
   • Look down towards the spot where your forehead will touch during prostration.
   • Recite silently (for the first Rak’ah):
     • Thana’ (optional initial supplication): “Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika, wa tabarakas-muka, wa ta’ala jadduka, wa la ilaha ghairuk.” (Glory and praise be to You, O Allah. Blessed be Your name, exalted be Your majesty, and there is no god besides You.)
     • Ta’awwudh: “A’udhu billahi minash-shaytanir-rajeem.” (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan.)
     • Tasmiyah: “Bismillahir-rahmanir-raheem.” (In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.)
   • Recite Surah Al-Fatiha (الفاتحة): This is obligatory in every Rak’ah.
     • “Al-hamdu lillahi Rabbil-‘alamin. Ar-Rahmanir-Rahim. Maliki Yawmid-Din. Iyyaka na’budu wa iyyaka nasta’in. Ihdinas-siratal-mustaqim. Siratal-ladhina an’amta ‘alayhim ghayril-maghdubi ‘alayhim² walad-dallin.” (All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment. You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help. Guide us³ to the straight path – The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have evoked [Your] anger or of those who are astray.)⁴ (Say “Ameen” softly after Fatiha).
   • Recite another short Surah or a few verses from the Quran: (e.g., Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, An-Nas).

4. Ruku’ (Bowing – الركوع):

   • Say “Allahu Akbar” and bow down, placing your hands on your knees, keeping your back straight and parallel to the ground.
   • Say “Subhana Rabbiyal ‘Adheem” (سبحان ربي العظيم – Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great) three times.

5. Qauma (Standing from Ruku’ – قومة):

   • Rise from bowing, saying “Sami’ Allahu liman Hamidah” (سمع الله لمن حمده – Allah hears those who praise Him).
   • Once upright, say “Rabbana lakal-hamd” (ربنا لك الحمد – Our Lord, to You belongs all praise).

6. Sujud (Prostration – السجود):

   • Say “Allahu Akbar” and go down into prostration. Your forehead, nose, palms of both hands, knees, and toes should be touching the floor.
   • Say “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” (سبحان ربي الأعلى – Glory be to my Lord, the Most High) three times.

7. Jalsa (Sitting between two Prostrations – الجلسة):

   • Say “Allahu Akbar” and rise from prostration to a sitting position on your left foot (with your right foot upright).
   • Say “Rabbighfir li, warhamni, wajburni, warfa’ni, warzuqni, wahdini, wa ‘afini, wa’fu ‘anni.” (O Lord, forgive me, have mercy on me, support me, elevate me, provide for me, guide me, grant me health, and pardon me.)⁵ (Can be said once).

8. Second Sujud:

   • Say “Allahu Akbar” and go down for a second prostration, repeating “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” three times.

9. Rising for the next Rak’ah:

   • Say “Allahu Akbar” and rise to a standing position to begin the next Rak’ah.

III. Completing the Prayer:

• For 2-Rak’ah Prayers (Fajr): After the second Sujud of the second Rak’ah, you sit down for Tashahhud (التشهد).
• For 3 or 4-Rak’ah Prayers (Dhuhr, Asr, Isha): After the second Sujud of the second Rak’ah, you sit for the first Tashahhud. You then stand up for the remaining Rak’ahs, reciting only Surah Al-Fatiha silently in these subsequent Rak’ahs. After the last Rak’ah’s second Sujud, you sit for the final Tashahhud.

Tashahhud (Sitting for Testimony):

• First part:

  “At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat. As-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. As-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibadillahis-salihin. Ash-hadu6 an la ilaha illallah wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluh.”

  (All compliments, prayers, and good things are for Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and Allah’s mercy and blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah. I7 bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant8 and Messenger.)

• Second part (Salawat, recited in final Tashahhud only):

  “Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin kama sallayta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala ali Ibrahima innaka Hamidun Majid. Allahumma barik ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin kama9 barakta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala ali Ibrahima innaka10 Hamidun Majid.”

  (O Allah, send prayers upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, as You sent prayers upon Abraham and upon the family of Abraham.11 Indeed, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious. O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, as You sent blessings upon Abraham and upon the family of Abraham. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious.)

• Optional¹² Dua (before Tasleem, in final Tashahhud): You can make personal supplications here. A common one is: “Allahumma inni a’udhu bika min ‘adhabi jahannam, wa min ‘adhab-il-qabr, wa min fitnatil-mahya wal-mamati, wa min sharri fitnatil-masihid-dajjal.” (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the torment of Hellfire, and from the torment of the grave, and from the trials of life and death, and from the evil¹³ of the trial of the Dajjal.)

Tasleem (Concluding the Prayer – التسليم):

• Turn your head to the right, saying “As-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah” (السلام عليكم ورحمة الله – Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah).
• Turn your head to the left, saying “As-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah.”

Tips for a New Muslim:

• Start Simple: Focus on learning the meaning of Al-Fatiha first, and a very short Surah. You can read from a sheet if needed initially.
• Audio Aids: Listen to audio recitations of the prayers to get the pronunciation correct. Many apps and online resources can help.
• Visual Guides: Watch videos of how to pray.
• Join a Class/Find a Mentor: Learning from a live teacher is incredibly beneficial for correcting mistakes and getting personalized guidance.
• Don’t Get Discouraged: It takes time. You won’t be perfect immediately. Consistency and sincerity are what matter most to Allah. Keep trying, keep learning, and keep making Dua.
• Remember the Purpose: Prayer is your direct communication with Allah. It’s a moment of peace, reflection, and submission. Focus on the meaning behind the words and actions.

May Allah make your journey easy and grant you immense reward for your efforts